What to Watch on IFC in September

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 | 10:03 AM

Is summer already over? Pity, seems like it came and went quicker than a ride on the Pineapple Express. To make you feel better, we've rounded up a bunch of films to keep your mind distracted.

On Thursday, September 11th, beginning at 9PM Eastern, get a triple dose of burn outs, junkies, and deals gone wrong beginning with "Rush," starring Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh as a pair of narcotics cops who get caught up in the drug world, and then try to buck the system by altering evidence. Then, check out "Party Monster" (pictured), based on the true story of a guy (played by former child star Macaulay Culkin) who hits the club circuit way too hard. It's an intense look at the often drug-besotted club kid era of the 1980s and 1990s. After that, we give you a lesson on the effect of what cannabis can really do to a person with exploitation classic "Reefer Madness." Your brain may not be able to handle it.

Also this month, IFC is paying homage to the Mighty Penn -- that would be Sean Penn, Spirit Award winner, Golden Globe winner, Oscar winner, the list could go on. Penn's a man of many talents, including director ("The Indian Runner," "The Pledge" and, more recently, "Into the Wild"), writer and producer, but we're celebrating what he does best: acting. Tune in Saturday, September 6th starting at 9pm Eastern for a night of phenomenal performances from one of the greatest actors in film. See Penn take on the role of Sgt. Welsh in war saga "The Thin Red Line," play an undercover cop in "State of Grace" (pictured) and portray a disturbed blue collar worker who plots to kill the president in "The Assassination of Richard Nixon."

Plus, brand new to IFC, the Automat begins Tuesday, September 30th. Every week, we're taking you back to the future with a blend of exclusive, uncensored alternative programming, including anime, original series, plus a film thrown into the mix, and much more. The cycle gets going 8PM Eastern/Pacific.

PREMIERES TO LOOK FOR:

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Defying gravity with its martial arts sequences, Ang Lee's impressively shot film tells the story of a mysterious stolen sword. Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film in 2001. Premieres Wednesday, September 3rd at 9PM Eastern.
Little Fish In this Australian indie, thespian queen Cate Blanchett portrays a former drug addict trying to get her life together. Premieres Thursday, September 4th at 9PM Eastern.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Bill Murray plays Jacques Cousteau-esque oceanographer Steve Zissou, who seeks revenge on the shark that ate one of his team members (no, it's not a great white named "Jaws"). The role made such an impact that it inspired the remix music to this Bill Murray dedication. Premieres Friday, September 5th at 8:30PM Eastern.
Brothers When a man is shot down in Afghanistan, his brother steps in to help his family and begins falling in love with his wife (Connie Nielsen) in this heartwrenching Danish drama. Premieres Monday, September 8th at 9PM Eastern.
Guinevere An older photographer becomes involved with his young muse, whom he calls "Guinevere." She soon learns, however, she's just one of many. Ensemble cast includes Stephen Rea, Sarah Polley, and Gina Gershon. Premieres Monday, September 15th at 9PM Eastern.